diff --git a/Python/pystrtod.c b/Python/pystrtod.c
index ae6ab9c94fd..29d79960ab9 100644
--- a/Python/pystrtod.c
+++ b/Python/pystrtod.c
@@ -1004,8 +1004,6 @@ format_float_short(double d, char format_code,
         else {
             /* shouldn't get here: Gay's code should always return
                something starting with a digit, an 'I',  or 'N' */
-            strncpy(p, "ERR", 3);
-            p += 3;
             assert(0);
         }
         goto exit;