diff --git a/go/vt/vtorc/logic/topology_recovery.go b/go/vt/vtorc/logic/topology_recovery.go
index af12587177..001d702cfd 100644
--- a/go/vt/vtorc/logic/topology_recovery.go
+++ b/go/vt/vtorc/logic/topology_recovery.go
@@ -258,6 +258,9 @@ func recoverDeadPrimary(ctx context.Context, analysisEntry inst.ReplicationAnaly
 
 	// Read the tablet information from the database to find the shard and keyspace of the tablet
 	tablet, err := inst.ReadTablet(analysisEntry.AnalyzedInstanceKey)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, nil, err
+	}
 
 	var candidateTabletAlias *topodatapb.TabletAlias
 	if candidateInstanceKey != nil {