diff --git a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsTri.cpp b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsTri.cpp
index 29829a717d1051..84f6900b78a647 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsTri.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_MotorsTri.cpp
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ void AP_MotorsTri::init(motor_frame_class frame_class, motor_frame_type frame_ty
     if (frame_type == MOTOR_FRAME_TYPE_PLUSREV) {
         _pitch_reversed = true;
     }
+    else {
+        _pitch_reversed = false;
+    }
 
     _mav_type = MAV_TYPE_TRICOPTER;