diff --git a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
index 11496f727e..e93b897013 100755
--- a/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
+++ b/interface/src/avatar/MyAvatar.cpp
@@ -2019,8 +2019,7 @@ void MyAvatar::updateOrientation(float deltaTime) {
         _smoothOrientationTimer = 0.0f;
     }
 
-    getHead()->setBasePitch(getHead()->getBasePitch() + getDriveKey(PITCH) * _pitchSpeed * deltaTime);
-
+    Head* head = getHead();
     auto headPose = getControllerPoseInAvatarFrame(controller::Action::HEAD);
     if (headPose.isValid()) {
         glm::quat localOrientation = headPose.rotation * Quaternions::Y_180;
@@ -2032,6 +2031,10 @@ void MyAvatar::updateOrientation(float deltaTime) {
         head->setBaseYaw(YAW(euler));
         head->setBasePitch(PITCH(euler));
         head->setBaseRoll(ROLL(euler));
+    } else {
+        head->setBaseYaw(0.0f);
+        head->setBasePitch(getHead()->getBasePitch() + getDriveKey(PITCH) * _pitchSpeed * deltaTime);
+        head->setBaseRoll(0.0f);
     }
 }