diff --git a/src/modules/mc_pos_control/mc_pos_control_main.cpp b/src/modules/mc_pos_control/mc_pos_control_main.cpp
index 59e4811383..090d8ecb59 100644
--- a/src/modules/mc_pos_control/mc_pos_control_main.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/mc_pos_control/mc_pos_control_main.cpp
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ private:
 	float _acc_z_lp;
 	float _vel_max_xy;  /**< equal to vel_max except in auto mode when close to target */
 
-	bool _in_takeoff; /**< flag for smooth velocity setpoint takeoff ramp */
+	bool _in_takeoff = false; /**< flag for smooth velocity setpoint takeoff ramp */
 	float _takeoff_vel_limit; /**< velocity limit value which gets ramped up */
 
 	// counters for reset events on position and velocity states