diff --git a/channels/chan_skinny.c b/channels/chan_skinny.c
index 4571c62dd0..82f01b70d3 100644
--- a/channels/chan_skinny.c
+++ b/channels/chan_skinny.c
@@ -4160,7 +4160,7 @@ static int handle_message(struct skinny_req *req, struct skinnysession *s)
 
 		sub = find_subchannel_by_instance_reference(d, lineInstance, callReference);
 
-		if (sub && (sub->owner->_state <  AST_STATE_UP)) {
+		if (sub && (sub->owner && sub->owner->_state <  AST_STATE_UP)) {
 			char dgt;
 			int digit = letohl(req->data.keypad.button);
 			size_t len;