WASHINGTON (AP) -- A union official says the regional airline involved in the crash of Flight 3407 earlier this year in Clarence Center that killed 50 people has been pushing pilots to fly even if they say they are too sick or too tired.

John Prather, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, told a congressional committee Wednesday that airlines are continuing practices that jeopardize safety despite promises to reform. He cited Colgan Air Inc. of Manassas, Va., which was involved in the Feb. 12 crash, and its parent, Pinnacle Airlines Inc. of Memphis, Tenn., as well as Trans States Airlines of Bridgeton, Mo.

A Trans States spokesman denied the charges. A spokesman for Colgan and Pinnacle had no immediate comment.