diff --git a/src/main/java/com/simibubi/create/content/contraptions/components/structureMovement/mounted/MinecartContraptionItem.java b/src/main/java/com/simibubi/create/content/contraptions/components/structureMovement/mounted/MinecartContraptionItem.java
index 4430d1fab..3bd9f4fe4 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/simibubi/create/content/contraptions/components/structureMovement/mounted/MinecartContraptionItem.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/simibubi/create/content/contraptions/components/structureMovement/mounted/MinecartContraptionItem.java
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ package com.simibubi.create.content.contraptions.components.structureMovement.mo
 
 import java.io.IOException;
 import java.util.List;
-import java.util.Optional;
 
 import javax.annotation.Nullable;
 
@@ -42,7 +41,6 @@ import net.minecraft.util.Direction;
 import net.minecraft.util.NonNullList;
 import net.minecraft.util.math.BlockPos;
 import net.minecraft.util.text.TextFormatting;
-import net.minecraft.util.text.TranslationTextComponent;
 import net.minecraft.world.World;
 import net.minecraftforge.event.entity.player.PlayerInteractEvent;
 import net.minecraftforge.eventbus.api.SubscribeEvent;
@@ -209,6 +207,8 @@ public class MinecartContraptionItem extends Item {
 			entity = entity.getRidingEntity();
 		if (!(entity instanceof AbstractMinecartEntity))
 			return;
+		if (!entity.isAlive())
+			return;
 		AbstractMinecartEntity cart = (AbstractMinecartEntity) entity;
 		Type type = cart.getMinecartType();
 		if (type != Type.RIDEABLE && type != Type.FURNACE && type != Type.CHEST)