HONOLULU -- For the first time in Hawaii's history, a pilot has been indicted for manslaughter after a deadly crash of a tour helicopter.

The crash happened on Kauai's north shore on Sept. 23. Pilot Glen Lampton and five passengers survived the crash.

However, three passengers were killed when the Heli-USA flight went into the water.

Kauai prosecutors confirmed that Lampton was indicted on seven counts, including three counts of manslaughter, two counts of reckless endangering in the second degree, one count of falsification to authorities and one count of tampering with evidence.

Lampton's statements conflicted with those made by the survivors and pilots of other aircraft in the area, officials said.

Prosecutors said in this case, the pilot and two passengers survived and were able to contribute to the investigation.

"We've interviewed several people involved with flying around at the time that the crash occurred and other people who may be involved with either the operation of the aircraft or the company and surviving passengers," Kauai deputy prosecutor Richard Minatoya said.

Lampton's attorney, Samuel King Jr., said Lampton is still employed by Heli-USA, although he is not flying. He is on the mainland performing administrative duties for the company.

Lampton plans to plead not guilty at his arraignment in January, according to King.