diff --git a/pcbnew/board_connected_item.cpp b/pcbnew/board_connected_item.cpp
index c365434cde..7c20248742 100644
--- a/pcbnew/board_connected_item.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/board_connected_item.cpp
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ wxString BOARD_CONNECTED_ITEM::GetNetnameMsg() const
 
 wxString BOARD_CONNECTED_ITEM::GetShortNetname() const
 {
-    return m_netinfo->GetShortNetname();
+    return m_netinfo ? m_netinfo->GetShortNetname() : wxString();
 }