diff --git a/pcbnew/netlist_reader/netlist.cpp b/pcbnew/netlist_reader/netlist.cpp
index 52d48b6b86..17c3efdf8f 100644
--- a/pcbnew/netlist_reader/netlist.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/netlist_reader/netlist.cpp
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ void PCB_EDIT_FRAME::LoadFootprints( NETLIST& aNetlist, REPORTER& aReporter )
     LIB_ID     lastFPID;
     COMPONENT* component;
     FOOTPRINT* footprint = nullptr;
-    FOOTPRINT* fpOnBoard;
+    FOOTPRINT* fpOnBoard = nullptr;
 
     if( aNetlist.IsEmpty() || Prj().PcbFootprintLibs()->IsEmpty() )
         return;