diff --git a/simgear/scene/model/model.cxx b/simgear/scene/model/model.cxx
index 757c3d2c..956050db 100644
--- a/simgear/scene/model/model.cxx
+++ b/simgear/scene/model/model.cxx
@@ -150,6 +150,9 @@ sgMakeAnimation( ssgBranch * model,
   } else {
     object = model;
   }
+
+  if ( animation == 0 )
+     return;
   
   ssgBranch * branch = animation->getBranch();
   splice_branch(branch, object);