diff --git a/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py b/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
index ae3e7003a6..3f2e56322f 100644
--- a/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
+++ b/Tools/autotest/vehicle_test_suite.py
@@ -8894,6 +8894,7 @@ Also, ignores heartbeats not from our target system'''
             if ex is None:
                 ex = ArmedAtEndOfTestException("Still armed at end of test")
             self.progress("Armed at end of test; force-rebooting SITL")
+            self.set_rc_default()  # otherwise we might start calibrating ESCs...
             try:
                 self.disarm_vehicle(force=True)
             except AutoTestTimeoutException: