diff --git a/pkg/appview/middleware/registry.go b/pkg/appview/middleware/registry.go
index a4dd229..30b6389 100644
--- a/pkg/appview/middleware/registry.go
+++ b/pkg/appview/middleware/registry.go
@@ -133,10 +133,9 @@ func (vc *validationCache) getOrFetch(ctx context.Context, cacheKey string, fetc
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Mark as in-flight and create done channel if needed
-	if entry.done == nil {
-		entry.done = make(chan struct{})
-	}
+	// Mark as in-flight and create fresh done channel for this fetch
+	// IMPORTANT: Always create a new channel - a closed channel is not nil
+	entry.done = make(chan struct{})
 	entry.inFlight = true
 	done := entry.done
 	entry.mu.Unlock()