diff --git a/node-it/src/test/scala/com/wavesplatform/it/api/AsyncNetworkApi.scala b/node-it/src/test/scala/com/wavesplatform/it/api/AsyncNetworkApi.scala
index fc7c065dcf..a1a881d92e 100644
--- a/node-it/src/test/scala/com/wavesplatform/it/api/AsyncNetworkApi.scala
+++ b/node-it/src/test/scala/com/wavesplatform/it/api/AsyncNetworkApi.scala
@@ -18,8 +18,11 @@ object AsyncNetworkApi {
         s"it-client-to-${node.name}",
         nonce
       )
-      sender.connect(node.networkAddress).map { ch =>
-        if (ch.isActive) sender.send(ch, messages*).map(_ => sender.close()) else sender.close()
+      sender.connect(node.networkAddress).flatMap { ch =>
+        if (ch.isActive) sender.send(ch, messages*).map(_ => sender.close()) else {
+          sender.close()
+          Future.failed(new Exception("Channel is inactive"))
+        }
       }
     }
   }