diff --git a/cadquery/occ_impl/shapes.py b/cadquery/occ_impl/shapes.py
index 040712235..982b2c6bf 100644
--- a/cadquery/occ_impl/shapes.py
+++ b/cadquery/occ_impl/shapes.py
@@ -2184,7 +2184,12 @@ def locationAt(
         T = gp_Trsf()
         if planar:
             T.SetTransformation(
-                gp_Ax3(pnt, gp_Dir(0, 0, 1), gp_Dir(normal.XYZ())), gp_Ax3()
+                gp_Ax3(
+                    pnt,
+                    gp_Dir(0, 0, 1),
+                    gp_Dir(Vector(0, 0, 1).cross(Vector(tangent)).normalized().wrapped),
+                ),
+                gp_Ax3(),
             )
         else:
             T.SetTransformation(
diff --git a/tests/test_sketch.py b/tests/test_sketch.py
index 2e21ae482..a75241d40 100644
--- a/tests/test_sketch.py
+++ b/tests/test_sketch.py
@@ -193,6 +193,9 @@ def test_distribute():
 
     assert s5._selection[0].Center().toTuple() == approx((0.0, 6.0, 0.0))
 
+    # make sure that we can use distribute on straight lines
+    _ = Sketch().segment((0, 0), (10, 0)).edges().distribute(3).rect(1, 2)
+
 
 def test_rarray():