diff --git a/source/dnode/mgmt/impl/src/dndTransport.c b/source/dnode/mgmt/impl/src/dndTransport.c
index ba93d1913d..b726743c9a 100644
--- a/source/dnode/mgmt/impl/src/dndTransport.c
+++ b/source/dnode/mgmt/impl/src/dndTransport.c
@@ -383,6 +383,7 @@ void dndCleanupTrans(SDnode *pDnode) {
 
 void dndSendMsgToDnode(SDnode *pDnode, SEpSet *pEpSet, SRpcMsg *pMsg) {
   STransMgmt *pMgmt = &pDnode->tmgmt;
+  if (pMgmt->clientRpc == NULL) return;
   rpcSendRequest(pMgmt->clientRpc, pEpSet, pMsg, NULL);
 }