diff --git a/eeschema/sim/sim_plot_frame.cpp b/eeschema/sim/sim_plot_frame.cpp
index c693195b71..94fd8173da 100644
--- a/eeschema/sim/sim_plot_frame.cpp
+++ b/eeschema/sim/sim_plot_frame.cpp
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ SIM_PLOT_FRAME::SIM_PLOT_FRAME( KIWAY* aKiway, wxWindow* aParent )
 
     m_toolBar->Realize();
     m_plotNotebook->SetPageText( 0, _( "Welcome!" ) );
+    m_simulator.reset( SPICE_SIMULATOR::CreateInstance( "ngspice" ) );
 }
 
 
@@ -158,6 +159,12 @@ void SIM_PLOT_FRAME::StartSimulation()
     STRING_FORMATTER formatter;
     SIM_PLOT_PANEL* plotPanel = CurrentPlot();
 
+    if( !m_simulator )
+    {
+        DisplayError( this, wxT( "Could not create simulator instance" ) );
+        return;
+    }
+
     m_simConsole->Clear();
     updateNetlistExporter();
 
@@ -176,12 +183,6 @@ void SIM_PLOT_FRAME::StartSimulation()
         return;
     }
 
-    /// @todo is it necessary to recreate simulator every time?
-    m_simulator.reset( SPICE_SIMULATOR::CreateInstance( "ngspice" ) );
-
-    if( !m_simulator )
-        return;
-
     m_simulator->SetReporter( new SIM_THREAD_REPORTER( this ) );
     m_simulator->Init();
     m_simulator->LoadNetlist( formatter.GetString() );