diff --git a/src/simulation/elements/STKM.cpp b/src/simulation/elements/STKM.cpp
index eed884c71..316291876 100644
--- a/src/simulation/elements/STKM.cpp
+++ b/src/simulation/elements/STKM.cpp
@@ -78,7 +78,8 @@ int Element_STKM::run_stickman(playerst *playerp, UPDATE_FUNC_ARGS) {
 	float rocketBootsHeadEffectV = 0.3f;// stronger acceleration vertically, to counteract gravity
 	float rocketBootsFeetEffectV = 0.45f;
 
-	STKM_set_element(sim, playerp, parts[i].ctype);
+	if (parts[i].ctype && sim->IsValidElement(parts[i].ctype))
+		STKM_set_element(sim, playerp, parts[i].ctype);
 	playerp->frames++;
 
 	//Temperature handling