diff --git a/eth/downloader/downloader.go b/eth/downloader/downloader.go
index 63d202a7fb..a3917854f2 100644
--- a/eth/downloader/downloader.go
+++ b/eth/downloader/downloader.go
@@ -436,6 +436,8 @@ func (d *Downloader) process(peer *peer) error {
 		if err != nil && core.IsParentErr(err) {
 			glog.V(logger.Debug).Infoln("Aborting process due to missing parent.")
 
+			// XXX this needs a lot of attention
+			blocks = nil
 			break
 		} else if err != nil {
 			// immediatly unregister the false peer but do not disconnect