diff --git a/src/hwrenderer/scene/hw_fakeflat.cpp b/src/hwrenderer/scene/hw_fakeflat.cpp
index e41a00007..994cd95fa 100644
--- a/src/hwrenderer/scene/hw_fakeflat.cpp
+++ b/src/hwrenderer/scene/hw_fakeflat.cpp
@@ -173,8 +173,10 @@ area_t hw_CheckViewArea(area_t in_area, vertex_t *v1, vertex_t *v2, sector_t *fr
 		// allow some tolerance in case slopes are involved
 		if (cz1 <= fz1 + 1. / 100 && cz2 <= fz2 + 1. / 100)
 			return area_below;
+		else
+			return area_normal;
 	}
-	return area_normal;
+	return in_area;
 }