diff --git a/builtin/game/falling.lua b/builtin/game/falling.lua
index 58f68fc56..5b5e806f5 100644
--- a/builtin/game/falling.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/falling.lua
@@ -18,18 +18,6 @@ core.register_entity(":__builtin:falling_node", {
 
 	set_node = function(self, node)
 		self.node = node
-		local stack = ItemStack(node.name)
-		local itemtable = stack:to_table()
-		local itemname = nil
-		if itemtable then
-			itemname = stack:to_table().name
-		end
-		local item_texture = nil
-		local item_type = ""
-		if core.registered_items[itemname] then
-			item_texture = core.registered_items[itemname].inventory_image
-			item_type = core.registered_items[itemname].type
-		end
 		local prop = {
 			is_visible = true,
 			textures = {node.name},
@@ -43,7 +31,9 @@ core.register_entity(":__builtin:falling_node", {
 
 	on_activate = function(self, staticdata)
 		self.object:set_armor_groups({immortal=1})
-		self:set_node({name=staticdata})
+		if staticdata then
+			self:set_node({name=staticdata})
+		end
 	end,
 
 	on_step = function(self, dtime)