diff --git a/copyparty/ftpd.py b/copyparty/ftpd.py
index aa46bf97..a7b27b22 100644
--- a/copyparty/ftpd.py
+++ b/copyparty/ftpd.py
@@ -250,9 +250,9 @@ class FtpFs(AbstractedFS):
                 td = 0
 
         # Don't unlink file for append mode
-        if w and need_unlink and "a" not in mode:
+        if w and need_unlink:
             if td >= -1 and td <= self.args.ftp_wt:
-                # within permitted timeframe; unlink and accept
+                # within permitted timeframe; allow overwrite or resume
                 do_it = True
             elif self.args.no_del or self.args.ftp_no_ow:
                 # file too old, or overwrite not allowed; reject
@@ -269,7 +269,8 @@ class FtpFs(AbstractedFS):
             if not do_it:
                 raise FSE("File already exists")
 
-            wunlink(self.log, ap, VF_CAREFUL)
+            elif "a" not in mode:
+                wunlink(self.log, ap, VF_CAREFUL)
 
         ret = open(fsenc(ap), mode, self.args.iobuf)
         if w and "fperms" in vfs.flags: