diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
index 6482f6a57..553aa970e 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ new_ship (PELEMENT DeadShipPtr)
 				DeadStarShipPtr->RaceDescPtr->ship_info.var2;
 		DeadStarShipPtr->special_counter =
 				DeadStarShipPtr->RaceDescPtr->ship_info.crew_level;
-		if (DeadStarShipPtr)
+		if (DeadStarShipPtr->special_counter)
 		{
 			StopMusic ();
 			DeadStarShipPtr->RaceDescPtr->ship_info.crew_level = 0;