diff --git a/src/GEOM_PY/structelem/parts.py b/src/GEOM_PY/structelem/parts.py
index 30420fc7d..a533125fe 100644
--- a/src/GEOM_PY/structelem/parts.py
+++ b/src/GEOM_PY/structelem/parts.py
@@ -254,10 +254,11 @@ class Beam(StructuralElementPart):
         orientation is different than the orientation of the underlying OCC
         object.
         """
+        length = self.geom.BasicProperties(path)[0]
         p1 = self.geom.MakeVertexOnCurve(path, 0.0)
         p2 = self.geom.GetFirstVertex(path)
         dist = self.geom.MinDistance(p1, p2)
-        return dist != 0.0
+        return dist > length / 2
 
     def _getVertexAndTangentOnOrientedWire(self, path, param):
         """