diff --git a/libraries/AP_DCM/AP_DCM.cpp b/libraries/AP_DCM/AP_DCM.cpp
index 7d9551da47..e87a6d0110 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_DCM/AP_DCM.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_DCM/AP_DCM.cpp
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ AP_DCM::drift_correction(void)
 	float integrator_magnitude;
 	Vector3f accel;
 	Vector3f error;
-	float error_norm;
+	float error_norm = 0;
 	const float gravity_squared = (9.80665*9.80665);
 
 	accel = _accel_vector;