diff --git a/utils/intrusive_btree.hh b/utils/intrusive_btree.hh
index 71b55d348f..a5a9c5c6c8 100644
--- a/utils/intrusive_btree.hh
+++ b/utils/intrusive_btree.hh
@@ -2082,7 +2082,7 @@ private:
                 n->_kids[ni - 1]->clear([&deleter] (member_hook* h) { node::dispose_key(h, deleter); });
                 destroy(*n->_kids[--ni]);
             }
-            n->drop();
+            destroy(*n);
             throw;
         }