diff --git a/src/firebolt/model/engine.py b/src/firebolt/model/engine.py
index bd17cedeef1..4cc4c6ed7aa 100644
--- a/src/firebolt/model/engine.py
+++ b/src/firebolt/model/engine.py
@@ -254,11 +254,10 @@ def wait(seconds: int, error_message: str) -> None:
         )
 
         # wait for engine to start
-        while (
-            wait_for_startup
-            and engine.current_status_summary
-            != EngineStatusSummary.ENGINE_STATUS_SUMMARY_RUNNING
-        ):
+        while wait_for_startup and engine.current_status_summary not in {
+            EngineStatusSummary.ENGINE_STATUS_SUMMARY_RUNNING,
+            EngineStatusSummary.ENGINE_STATUS_SUMMARY_FAILED,
+        }:
             wait(
                 seconds=5,
                 error_message=f"Could not start engine within {wait_timeout_seconds} seconds.",  # noqa: E501