System failure is a event that occurs in the Hatch a few seconds after the Countdown Timer reaches zero. Once the Hieroglyphs are all displayed, the electromagnetic force in the Hatch begins to build rapidly, pulling any and all metal objects inward from increasingly great distances. The words system failure repeatedly scroll across the screen of the Computer and a corresponding printout of the event is produced at the Pearl.
- If the Computer is intact, there remains time to enter the numbers and prevent further damage.
- Desmond believes that he caused the crash of Flight 815 when his absence from the Hatch led to a brief system failure.
- Another system failure occurs when Locke decides not to Push the Button anymore. Desmond attempts to rectify the situation by using the fail safe.