diff --git a/mods/nc_tote/node.lua b/mods/nc_tote/node.lua
index 8f0dae77..ead81f5b 100644
--- a/mods/nc_tote/node.lua
+++ b/mods/nc_tote/node.lua
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ end
 
 local function totedug(pos, _, _, digger)
 	local drop = ItemStack(modname .. ":handle")
-	if not digger:get_player_control().sneak then
+	if not (digger and digger:get_player_control().sneak) then
 		local dump
 		for dx = -1, 1 do
 			for dz = -1, 1 do