diff --git a/libraries/DataFlash/DataFlash_File.cpp b/libraries/DataFlash/DataFlash_File.cpp
index 77ed5aa643..8869a958a5 100644
--- a/libraries/DataFlash/DataFlash_File.cpp
+++ b/libraries/DataFlash/DataFlash_File.cpp
@@ -1182,6 +1182,9 @@ bool DataFlash_File::io_thread_alive() const
 
 bool DataFlash_File::logging_failed() const
 {
+    if (!_initialised) {
+        return true;
+    }
     if (_open_error) {
         return true;
     }