diff --git a/swh/loader/core/loader.py b/swh/loader/core/loader.py
--- a/swh/loader/core/loader.py
+++ b/swh/loader/core/loader.py
@@ -362,6 +362,8 @@
         total_time_store_data = 0.0
 
         try:
+            # Initially not a success, will be True when actually one
+            success = False
             with self.statsd_timed("prepare"):
                 self.prepare()
 
@@ -395,7 +397,6 @@
             ):
                 self.post_load()
         except Exception as e:
-            success = False
             if isinstance(e, NotFound):
                 status = "not_found"
                 task_status = "uneventful"