After falling behind to Lyndon Dykes' 17th minute goal, North End drew level through Emil Riis.
Josh Earl then put the visitors ahead just 57 seconds after half-time, only for the Londoners to score twice in four minutes through Jimmy Dunne and Ilias Chair.
Here are the PNE player ratings from the Championship clash, with Sean Maguire the pick of the bunch.
9. Daniel Johnson 6
A quiet game by his recent standards in terms of being creativity around the box. Put a first-half free-kick wide. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport
10. Sean Maguire 7
PNE's best player on the day, set up the goals for Emil Riis and Josh Earl. Linked play so well and North End missed him when he went off injured at 2-2. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport
11. Emil Riis 7
Got into a good position for his goal and finished it calmly. Worked hard along the forward line. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport
12. Alan Browne 6
The club captain replaced McCan in the first half. His general midfield play was good but should have cleared his lines with the clearance before QPR's third goal. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport