diff --git a/t/t3305-notes-fanout.sh b/t/t3305-notes-fanout.sh
index b1ea64b213..54460beec4 100755
--- a/t/t3305-notes-fanout.sh
+++ b/t/t3305-notes-fanout.sh
@@ -51,15 +51,12 @@ test_expect_success 'deleting most notes with git-notes' '
 	num_notes=250 &&
 	i=0 &&
 	git rev-list HEAD |
-	while read sha1
+	while test $i -lt $num_notes && read sha1
 	do
 		i=$(($i + 1)) &&
-		if test $i -gt $num_notes
-		then
-			break
-		fi &&
 		test_tick &&
-		git notes remove "$sha1"
+		git notes remove "$sha1" ||
+		exit 1
 	done
 '