Blunt indentation experiments at high loads have been carried out on soda-lime glass plates using detailed in situ observation. The development of failure over a range of loads is described, showing a number of material removal mechanisms that arise from the propagation of primary and secondary cone cracks. Various inelastic deformation processes are also involved in the development of failure under these conditions. The observed mechanisms of material removal imply a velocity exponent in erosion tests that is rather higher than that seen when lateral cracks are the dominant cause of material loss.