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.
13. Liam Lindsay 4
Struggled in the wet conditions after coming on at half-time for Bauer. Didn't win the ball in the air for the second QPR goal and slipped for the third. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport
14. Brad Potts 4
PNE's third sub and a strange one in that the midfielder was put up front to replace the injured Maguire. Didn't make an impact. Photo: Rob Newell/Camerasport
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