A device for detecting an actuator assembly parking error when a disc drive is powered on includes a magnetic latch attached to the actuator assembly and a latch pin assembly electrically connected to a base plate in the disc drive, where the latch pin assembly is positioned to contact the magnetic latch only when the actuator's read/write head is positioned over a parking zone on the disc. A detection module is electrically connected to the magnetic latch and thus is able to detect whether or not the magnetic latch is contacting the latch pin assembly when the disc drive is powered on. A method for detecting an actuator assembly parking error includes powering on the disc drive, determining whether the magnetic latch has electrical contact with the latch pin assembly, and reporting a parking error if the magnetic latch does not have electrical contact with the latch pin assembly.